How long does it take for Depo to leave your system after only one shot?

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Quick Answer

It takes 12 weeks for Depo to leave the system after a single injection. It mainly breaks down in the liver, with its metabolites eliminated from the body through urine and feces, according to Pharmacia and Upjohn Company, a Pfizer subsidiary.

According to Pfizer, Depo is a long-acting contraceptive, containing medroxyprogesterone acetate. The National Health Service of the UK lists the drug’s higher than 99 percent efficiency, long duration and protection against some forms of cancers as the main benefits of Depo. However, the NHS also makes clear that it does not provide a defense against sexually transmitted diseases and does have a range of side effects. Potential side effects include irregular periods, weight gain, headaches, lowered sex drive and mood changes.

Related Questions

Birth control pills do not stay in a person's system for an extend period of time; they leave within a few days. Most women's periods resume within four weeks of stopping the pill, according to Mayo Clinic.

Once a Depo-Provera shot is missed, there is a possibility of pregnancy when having unprotected sex, according to the Indiana University Bloomington Health Center. It's necessary to have a Depo-Provera shot every 13 weeks for it to remain a viable method of birth control. If a woman misses a shot or receives it late, it is important to use a condom during each sexual encounter to prevent pregnancy.

The side effects of Depo-Provera include irregular menstruation, headaches and nervousness, according to WebMD. Other possible side effects are dizziness and depression. Some users also experience acne or changes in appetite.

Depo-Provera is a form of hormonal birth control for women given by injection every 12 weeks, explains Planned Parenthood. It releases the hormone progestin that prevents ovulation and thickens cervical mucus to help prevent sperm from reaching a woman's eggs.